Hubbry Logo
Jonquel JonesJonquel JonesMain
Open search
Jonquel Jones
Community hub
Jonquel Jones
logo
8 pages, 0 posts
0 subscribers
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Jonquel Jones
Jonquel Jones
Jonquel Jones
View on Wikipedia
from Wikipedia

Jonquel Orthea Jones (born January 5, 1994) is a Bahamian professional basketball player for the New York Liberty of the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA). She was drafted with the sixth overall pick in the 2016 WNBA draft.[1] Since May 2019,[2] she also holds the citizenship of Bosnia and Herzegovina, allowing her to play for the national team.

Key Information

A 6'6" power forward/center, Jones played college basketball for Clemson and George Washington. After the February 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine, she left the Russian team UMMC Ekaterinburg,[3][4][5] and joined the Turkish team Çukurova Basketbol.[6]

Early life

[edit]

Jones was born in The Bahamas. She attended Tabernacle Baptist Academy. At age 14, she moved to Maryland, where she attended Riverdale Baptist School.[7] Temple women's basketball head coach Diane Richardson became her legal guardian. Her nickname in high school was "Big Slim".[8]

WNBA career

[edit]

In 2016, Jones was acquired by the Connecticut Sun after having her draft rights traded by the Los Angeles Sparks in exchange for Chelsea Gray and two draft picks.[9] In her rookie season, Jones was the backup center for the Sun. She averaged 6.8 ppg, 3.7 rpg and 1.1 bpg in 34 games with 6 starts.

In 2017, Jones became the starting center for the Sun and had a breakout second season. After an 0–4 start, Jones led the Sun to their first win of the season, scoring 23 points along with 21 rebounds in a 97–79 win over the Chicago Sky, making her the 13th player in league history to record a 20-point, 20-rebound performance.[10] On July 8, Jones scored a team-high 22 points and 9 rebounds as the Sun completed the biggest comeback in franchise history, defeating the Washington Mystics 96–92 after overcoming a 22-point deficit.[11] Jones was selected to the 2017 WNBA All-Star Game, her first career All-Star Game appearance. She finished the season averaging a double-double in points and rebounds and also averaged career-highs in scoring, rebounding, and blocks. She broke the single season record for rebounds with 403, breaking Tina Charles previous record of 398 (the record would be broken again by Sylvia Fowles in 2018).[12] Jones was selected to the 2017 WNBA All-Star Game and received the WNBA Most Improved Player Award. Her breakout performance, along with teammates Jasmine Thomas and Alyssa Thomas emerging as All-Stars, led the Sun to the playoffs as the fourth-seeded team. They received a bye to the second-round elimination game, where Jones scored 19 points and grabbed 15 rebounds in an 88–83 loss to the number 5-seeded Phoenix Mercury.

Jonquel Jones on the court with Sabrina Ionescu at the New York Liberty vs the Las Vegas Aces, September 8, 2024
Jones on the court with Sabrina Ionescu at the New York Liberty vs the Las Vegas Aces, September 8, 2024

In 2018, Jones would have a reduced role on the team despite her success from last season. She started in 16 of the 34 games played but would still effective for the Sun both in the starting lineup and off the bench. By the end of the season, Jones won the WNBA Sixth Woman of the Year award. The Sun made it back to the playoffs as the number 4 seed with a 21–13 record, receiving a bye to the second round. However the Sun would lose yet again to the Phoenix Mercury in the second round elimination game by a final score of 96–86.

In 2019, Jones would redeem her starting Center role for the whole season. She would lead the league in rebounds once again and averaged a career-high in blocks, steals and minutes by the end of the season. Jones was also voted into the 2019 WNBA All-Star Game, making it her second all-star appearance and would also make WNBA Second Team. The Sun were a championship contender in the league, finishing with a 23–11 record and the number 2 seed, receiving a double bye to the semi-finals. In the semi-finals, the Sun swept the Los Angeles Sparks 3–0 to advance to the WNBA Finals, making it the franchise's first Finals appearance since 2005, and Jones' first career Finals appearance. The WNBA Finals series was a hard-fought battle, but the Sun fell to the Washington Mystics in five games.

In June 2020, Jones announced that she would sit out the WNBA season due to the COVID-19 pandemic.[13]

Jonquel Jones, holding the MVP Trophy at the 2024 NY Liberty Ticker Tape Parade

In 2021 Jones returned to the WNBA and led the Sun to the best record in the league; she additionally was averaging a career high in every major statistic before reporting to the FIBA Women's Eurobasket to represent the Bosnian women's national basketball team. When she returned the Sun, the team went back to being the top team in the league and closed out the season with a 14-game winning streak, leading to a record of 26–6 and the best record in the league. Jones averaged a career-high in points and assists, with averages of 19.4 points, 11.2 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 1.3 steals, and 1.3 blocks, and was named the 2021 WNBA MVP nearly unanimously.[14] Jones also made WNBA All-Defensive First Team and nearly won the DPOY award. With winning MVP Jones became the first player in WNBA History to win MVP, Sixth Woman of the Year and WNBA Most Improved Player Award.[15]

During the offseason prior to the 2023 WNBA season, Jones requested a trade out of Connecticut and was dealt to the New York Liberty on January 17, 2023.[16] She was named the MVP of the 2023 Commissioner's Cup, winning it for the New York Liberty with 16 points and a game-high 15 rebounds.[17] In the ensuing 2023 WNBA Playoffs, she confronted and eliminated her former team in the semifinal round, three games to one.[18] In the 2024 season, she was named WNBA Finals MVP after scoring 17 points in the final Game 5 overtime game, in which the Liberty defeated the Minnesota Lynx 67-62.[19]

Overseas career

[edit]
Jones with UMMC Ekaterinburg in 2019.

During the 2016–17 off-season, Jones signed with Asan Woori Bank Wibee of the Women's Korean Basketball League and won a championship with the team.[20] In October 2017, Jones signed with Shanxi Flame of the Women's Chinese Basketball Association for the 2017–18 off-season.[21]

In August 2018, Jones signed with UMMC Ekaterinburg of the Russian League.[22] After the February 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine, she left the Russian team.[3][4][5]

In 2022, Jones joined the Turkish team Çukurova Basketbol of the Women's Basketball Super League.[6]

Jones played for Inner Mongolia of the WCBA in the 2023–2024 season and led them to the finals.[23]

For the 2024–2025 season, Jones joined Sichuan Yuanda in the WCBA.[24]

National team career

[edit]

She made her debut for the national team of Bosnia and Herzegovina at the first round of EuroBasket Women 2021 qualification on 14 November 2019 against Russia.[25] She claimed a double-double of 29 points and 16 rebounds on what proved to be an agonizing night for Russia coach Alexander Kovalev as he lost his first game at the helm in his hometown of Orenburg.[26]

In a quarter-final loss against France in the EuroBasket Women 2021, she set an all-time record for most rebounds in a single EuroBasket game. She finished the game with 29 points and 24 rebounds, beating the previous record of 21 rebounds shared by three players.[27] She was named to the FIBA EuroBasket Women All-Tournament Team.[28]

In October 2022, Goran Lojo, the coach of the team, announced that Jones would no longer be playing for the national team, and that her spot as a naturalized player would in the future be filled by Courtney Hurt.[29]

Personal life

[edit]

In 2019, Jones got a goldendoodle puppy.

Career statistics

[edit]
Legend
  GP Games played   GS  Games started  MPG  Minutes per game  RPG  Rebounds per game
 APG  Assists per game  SPG  Steals per game  BPG  Blocks per game  PPG  Points per game
 TO  Turnovers per game  FG%  Field-goal percentage  3P%  3-point field-goal percentage  FT%  Free-throw percentage
 Bold  Career best ° League leader
† Denotes seasons in which Jones won a WNBA championship

WNBA

[edit]

Regular season

[edit]

Stats current through end of 2025 season

WNBA regular season statistics[30]
Year Team GP GS MPG FG% 3P% FT% RPG APG SPG BPG TO PPG
2016 Connecticut 34 6 14.1 .531 .333 .739 3.7 0.6 0.6 1.1 0.7 6.8
2017 Connecticut 34 34 28.5 .534 .446 .818 11.9° 1.5 0.8 1.4 1.6 15.4
2018 Connecticut 34 16 20.5 .550 .467 .671 5.5 1.7 0.4 1.2 1.6 11.8
2019 Connecticut 34 34 28.8 .448 .309 .818 9.7° 1.5 1.2 2.0 1.9 14.6
2020 Did not play (opted out)
2021 Connecticut 27 27 31.7 .515 .362 .802 11.2° 2.8 1.3 1.3 2.9 19.4
2022 Connecticut 33 32 26.4 .513 .369 .802 8.6 1.8 1.1 1.2 2.6 14.6
2023 New York 40 40 25.0 .527 .352 .863 8.4 1.8 0.6 1.3 2.1 11.3
2024† New York 39 39 29.8 .539 .391 .788 9.0 3.2 0.8 1.3 2.4 14.2
2025 New York 31 31 26.8 .490 .424 .769 8.1 2.7 0.5 1.1 2.1 13.6
Career 9 years, 2 teams 306 259 25.6 .514 .383 .792 8.4 2.0 0.8 1.3 2.0 13.4
All-Star 5 5 22.5 .545 .417 .750 11.2 3.4 1.4 0.8 0.6 18.0


Playoffs

[edit]
WNBA playoff statistics
Year Team GP GS MPG FG% 3P% FT% RPG APG SPG BPG TO PPG
2017 Connecticut 1 1 39.2 .385 .400 .875 15.0 2.0 0.0 0.0 1.0 19.0
2018 Connecticut 1 1 26.2 .667 .000 1.000 7.0 7.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 13.0
2019 Connecticut 8 8 32.5 .528 .267 .767 10.4 2.0 0.6 1.5 1.8 17.9
2021 Connecticut 4 4 35.0 .458 .444 .778 9.8 3.3 1.3 2.3 2.0 16.3
2022 Connecticut 12 12 27.0 .507 .414 .829 8.4 2.0 0.6 1.1 2.1 14.9
2023 New York 10 10 34.7 .559 .321 .787 11.6 1.7 0.7 2.4° 2.0 17.0
2024† New York 11 11 32.5 .550 .448 .946 8.2 2.2 0.7 0.6 2.8 15.5
2025 New York 3 3 30.0 .269 .182 .500 11.0 2.3 0.0 2.0 1.3 5.7
Career 8 years, 2 teams 50 50 31.7 .513 .350 .828 9.7 2.2 0.7 1.4 2.1 15.5

College

[edit]
NCAA statistics[31]
Year Team GP GS MPG FG% 3P% FT% RPG APG SPG BPG TO PPG
2012–13 Clemson 8 4 29.8 .483 .300 .792 10.0 0.8 0.5 2.1 2.0 9.8
2013–14 George Washington 23 23 26.3 .488 .293 .639 10.9 1.7 0.8 1.9 4.1 14.7
2014–15 George Washington 30 30 26.8 .478 .306 .664 12.5 2.1 0.7 1.9 2.8 15.3
2015–16 George Washington 23 20 29.8 .417 .311 .745 14.6 2.3 1.0 3.3 4.1 16.2
Career 84 77 27.8 .462 .304 .695 12.4 1.9 0.8 2.3 3.4 14.9

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Jonquel Jones

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia

Jonquel Orthea Jones (born January 5, 1994) is a Bahamian professional basketball player serving as a center for the New York Liberty of the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA).
Selected sixth overall in the 2016 WNBA Draft by the Connecticut Sun, Jones established herself as a dominant rebounder and interior defender, earning Most Improved Player and Sixth Woman of the Year honors in 2017 before capturing the league's Most Valuable Player award in 2022.
Traded to the Liberty ahead of the 2023 season, she contributed to their first franchise championship in 2024, where she was named Finals MVP after averaging 17.8 points and 7.6 rebounds per game in the series against the Minnesota Lynx.
Jones holds the WNBA single-season rebounding record and has been selected to five All-Star games, underscoring her status as one of the league's premier post players with career averages of 13.4 points and 8.4 rebounds over 306 regular-season games.

Early Life and Education

Childhood in the Bahamas

Jonquel Jones was born on January 5, 1994, in Freeport, the principal city of in . She grew up in a large family with six siblings, supported by her parents—mother Ettamae Jones, a senior welfare officer in the , and father Preston Jones, a —and an extensive network of extended relatives and community members who contributed to her upbringing. The family faced financial hardships, including losses from two hurricanes and medical expenses related to Preston's treatment, which underscored a modest socioeconomic environment amid the island's outdoor lifestyle of biking on asphalt streets with cousins and friends under salt-laden air. Jones's early exposure to basketball stemmed from her father's involvement as a local coach, whom she observed directing boys' teams, sparking her interest from a young age. She began playing informally at her grandmother's house, often sneaking sessions despite Sunday church prohibitions, in a context where opportunities for girls were scarce and cultural norms sometimes discouraged female participation in sports, such as admonishments against girls whistling. Jones later reflected, "For as long as I’ve known myself, I’ve known the game of ," highlighting its integral role in her formative years amid limited structured youth programs for females in . This self-driven engagement, influenced by familial and communal support, laid the groundwork for her development before greater prospects emerged abroad.

Relocation and High School

At age 14, in the middle of her ninth-grade year, Jones relocated from , to , to pursue competitive opportunities unavailable in her home country. She lived with her high school coach, Diane Richardson, and Richardson's family, approximately 40 miles south of , after persistent efforts including phone calls to arrange the move. The transition presented cultural and athletic challenges, as Jones navigated being the "new kid" in an unfamiliar environment, prompting initial nervousness about adapting to U.S. high school basketball's intensity and social dynamics. Despite these hurdles, she experienced significant physical growth, entering high school at 5 feet 8 inches and reaching 6 feet 1 inch by graduation, which enhanced her on-court presence. Jones attended Riverdale Baptist School, where she developed into a dominant forward, attracting college scouts through standout performances. As a senior in the 2011–2012 season, she averaged 15.7 points and 15.6 rebounds per game, leading the team to a 35–2 record, a National Christian High School Athletic Association championship, and a No. 6 national ranking in the FAB 50. Her play earned her recognition as the Player of the Year and a top-20 national recruit ranking.

College Career at George Washington University

Jones transferred to after appearing in eight games as a at Clemson during the 2012–13 season, sitting out that year due to NCAA transfer rules before debuting for the Colonials in 2013–14. Over three seasons with the George Washington Colonials in the Atlantic 10 Conference, she averaged 15.4 points and 12.6 rebounds per game in 76 appearances, ranking fourth in program history for scoring average and third for total rebounds with 961. As a junior in 2014–15, Jones averaged 15.3 points and 12.5 rebounds across 30 games, leading the Atlantic 10 in rebounding while setting a school single-season record with 375 boards. Her senior campaign in 2015–16 further solidified her dominance, highlighted by a school-record 26 rebounds in a double-overtime win over on November 27, 2015, where she also scored 23 points. These performances underscored her growth into a versatile post presence capable of controlling the glass and scoring efficiently inside. Jones's rebounding prowess propelled the Colonials to back-to-back Atlantic 10 regular-season championships and NCAA Tournament berths in 2015 and 2016—the program's first consecutive appearances since joining the conference in 1976. She ranked among the NCAA's top rebounders in multiple seasons, including leading the nation in total rebounds during 2014–15, which complemented her defensive impact with career totals of 177 blocks.

WNBA Career

Draft and Connecticut Sun Tenure

Jonquel Jones was selected sixth overall in the by the and traded to the on draft night. In her rookie season, Jones appeared in 31 games, averaging 6.8 points and contributing defensively while adjusting to professional play. During the 2017 season, Jones emerged as a key contributor for the Sun, earning the WNBA Most Improved Player award and a selection to the All-WNBA Second Team. Her development helped the Sun achieve their first winning record (21-13) since 2012 and secure a playoff berth, where they advanced to the Eastern Conference Semifinals. Jones became a consistent starter, leveraging her rebounding and shot-blocking skills in the team's defensive schemes. In 2018, Jones transitioned to a sixth-woman role, winning the WNBA Sixth Player of the Year award while providing bench production that supported the Sun's playoff push. The following year, she solidified her status as a rebounding force, helping reach the for the first time in franchise history. Throughout her initial tenure with the Sun, Jones established herself as a foundational frontcourt player, emphasizing physicality and efficiency in the paint to anchor the team's identity.

2021 MVP Season and Peak Performance

In the 2021 WNBA season, Jonquel Jones emerged as the league's dominant force, averaging 19.4 points, a league-leading 11.2 rebounds (including 8.7 defensive rebounds), 2.8 assists, 1.3 steals, and 1.3 blocks per game across 27 appearances for the , while shooting 51.5% from the field. Her rebounding prowess anchored the Sun's interior defense and transition opportunities, as she ranked fourth in scoring and tenth in blocks league-wide, contributing to a team defensive rating among the league's elite. Jones's efficiency in the post underscored her peak performance, where she converted heavily on interior scoring attempts, leveraging her 6-foot-6 frame for high-percentage looks and rim protection that deterred opponents' drives. This two-way impact propelled the Sun to a franchise-best 26-6 regular-season record and the No. 1 overall playoff seed, earning a double-bye to the semifinals. In the postseason, she maintained her form through four semifinal games against the , averaging elevated minutes and double-doubles before the series loss. On September 28, 2021, Jones was awarded the WNBA honor, securing 48 of 49 first-place votes from a panel of sportswriters and broadcasters for her indispensable role in the Sun's success. Her leadership extended beyond statistics, fostering a gritty team identity that emphasized rebounding battles and defensive versatility, marking the pinnacle of her Sun tenure.

Trade to New York Liberty and Adjustment Period

On January 15, 2023, the acquired Jonquel Jones from the in a three-team trade also involving the ; the Liberty received Jones and forward , while sending forward , guard Rebecca Allen, guard , and their 2023 first-round draft pick to the other teams. The deal paired the 2021 WNBA MVP with new Liberty stars and , aiming to bolster New York's frontcourt depth and championship contention amid high expectations in a rebuilt roster. Jones' transition to the Liberty proved challenging, as she grappled with self-doubt and negative self-talk stemming from the pressure to perform for a new team, fanbase, and alongside elite teammates. She later reflected that her intense desire to succeed mentally distanced her from effective play early in the season, contributing to inconsistent scoring output compared to her Sun tenure. Despite this, Jones demonstrated rebounding reliability, anchoring the Liberty's interior presence and providing defensive stability amid the team's integration of multiple high-profile additions. As the season progressed, Jones built rapport with Stewart and other teammates, facilitating smoother offensive execution and defensive rotations. This chemistry culminated in the Liberty's 2023 Commissioner's Cup victory over the Las Vegas Aces on August 15, where Jones earned MVP honors with 16 points and 15 rebounds in the final, highlighting her growing adaptation to New York's system. Her late-season improvements in efficiency and confidence laid groundwork for further contributions, though scoring remained below her prior peaks at an average of 11.3 .

2024 Championship and Finals MVP

The won their first WNBA championship by defeating the 3-2 in the 2024 Finals, with Jonquel Jones earning Finals MVP honors for her dominant two-way play. The series featured tight contests, including a Lynx overtime victory in Game 1 (95-93) and Liberty wins in Games 2 (80-66), 3 (80-73), and 4 (82-80), before clinching Game 5 in overtime 67-62 on October 20, 2024. Jones averaged 17.8 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 2.2 assists per game across the five games, shooting 56% from the field, 43% from three-point range, and 100% from the free-throw line. Her rebounding, particularly offensive boards, provided second-chance opportunities that bolstered the Liberty's inefficient shooting nights, while her interior defense limited Lynx stars like . In Game 5, Jones scored 17 points on 5-of-10 shooting with six rebounds and key free throws in , anchoring the Liberty's comeback from a deficit. This achievement represented a career pinnacle for Jones, who had appeared in three prior Finals with the Connecticut Sun (losing in 2019 and 2022 to the Las Vegas Aces) without securing a ring or MVP nod. Her Finals MVP selection, announced post-Game 5, highlighted her evolution into a clutch performer capable of elevating teammates like Breanna Stewart and Sabrina Ionescu amid offensive struggles.

2025 Season Injury and Performance Decline

In the early portion of the 2025 WNBA regular season, Jones contributed effectively for the , but her campaign was disrupted by a right ankle sustained on June 20 during a game against the . The injury, which she reaggravated later, sidelined her for approximately four to six weeks initially, causing her to miss nine games in total, including a stretch of six consecutive contests that highlighted her defensive value to the team. She returned shortly after the All-Star break in mid-July but continued to deal with residual effects, culminating in offseason surgery on October 20 to address ankle instability. Upon return, Jones experienced a noticeable dip in production, particularly down the stretch of the regular season, where she averaged 6.1 points and 7.4 rebounds per game amid ongoing recovery challenges. This decline contributed to the Liberty's uneven performance, as the team went 4-5 without her earlier in the season compared to an 8-1 record with her available. In the playoffs, Jones's struggles intensified during the Liberty's semifinal series against the Mercury, where she averaged low scoring outputs and drew scrutiny for a on September 19 in a critical elimination game. The foul stemmed from her outburst over a non-call on a play involving , resulting in a that shifted momentum and aided Phoenix's upset victory. Observers noted her perceived lack of effort and poor decision-making in late-game situations, exacerbating the team's postseason exit. Fan reactions amplified the , with some labeling Jones's play as "lazy" and "low IQ," particularly in high-stakes moments where her led to costly penalties rather than composed execution. These sentiments reflected broader concerns about her adjustment post-injury and the Liberty's challenges in replicating their success, though sports media emphasized the physical toll of the ankle issue as a primary causal factor over any inherent decline in skill.

Overseas and International Career

Professional Play in Europe and Asia

Jones signed with CCC Polkowice of the during the 2017-18 WNBA offseason, where she contributed significantly to the team's efforts in domestic and European competitions. Her play in allowed her to maintain competitive rhythm and refine her post skills against varied European defenses, supplementing her developing WNBA role with consistent minutes abroad. In August 2018, Jones joined in the , a powerhouse club known for its dominance in European basketball. She helped the team secure the championship during her tenure, averaging double-doubles in points and rebounds while facing elite international competition that enhanced her versatility and physicality. Jones remained with UMMC through multiple seasons until departing in March 2022 amid the , prioritizing safety over continued participation. These stints provided financial stability, with overseas salaries often exceeding WNBA earnings, enabling focused off-court development. Transitioning to Asia, Jones played for Inner Mongolia in China's Women's Chinese Basketball Association (WCBA) during the 2023-24 season, leading the team to the finals with dominant interior play. She ranked among league leaders in scoring (23.5 points per game, 5th) and rebounding (12.6 per game, 3rd), shooting 69.5% from the field, which underscored her efficiency against physical Asian defenses. For the 2024-25 WCBA season, she signed with Sichuan Yuanda Meile, continuing to leverage these contracts for skill maintenance and economic security amid the WNBA's shorter schedule. Overseas play consistently offered Jones exposure to high-stakes environments, fostering adaptability that translated to improved rebounding and scoring upon WNBA returns.

Bahamian National Team Representation

Jones debuted with the Bahamian senior national team during her college tenure at , leading the squad to fifth place at the 2014 Caribbean Basketball Confederation (CBC) Senior Women's Championship held in , , from July 14–19. There, she averaged 17.2 points, 14.0 rebounds, and 3.0 assists per game across five contests, topping the tournament in rebounding and efficiency with a 21.2 rating. Following her entry, Jones primarily pursued competitive international opportunities with , where she gained eligibility via extended professional play in , competing in FIBA Women's qualifiers and other events. Nonetheless, she reaffirmed her commitment to in 2025 by joining the roster for FIBA Women's AmeriCup qualifiers and the tournament itself in Santiago, , from June 11–17—' first appearance since 1989. Her participation aided qualification efforts through regional play, including a pivotal win in February 2025 that kept advancement hopes alive, though specific senior FIBA AmeriCup stats for Jones remain limited amid the team's developmental stage. Jones's national team involvement, alongside her WNBA prominence, has boosted Bahamian women's basketball visibility, positioning her as a de facto ambassador who inspires youth participation and infrastructure growth back home. In October 2025, she received national honors at for her contributions to Bahamian sports, underscoring her role in fostering pride and talent development despite the program's historical challenges in qualifying for major events like Olympic tournaments.

Playing Style and Professional Impact

Strengths and Statistical Contributions

Jonquel Jones excels as an elite rebounder in the WNBA, securing one of the highest single-season totals in league history with 403 rebounds during the 2017 campaign over 34 games. Her rebounding prowess is further evidenced by leading the league in rebounds per game at 10.4 in 2021 across 34 games, demonstrating her dominance on the glass through positioning, athleticism, and relentless pursuit. Career averages of 8.4 rebounds per game underscore her consistent impact in this area. In post scoring, Jones maintains high efficiency, posting a career field goal percentage of 51.4%, which reflects her ability to convert inside opportunities effectively with footwork and touch around the rim. This efficiency stems from her 6-foot-6 frame and skill in finishing through contact, making her a reliable low-post threat. Defensively, Jones serves as an with strong shot-blocking instincts, averaging 1.3 blocks per game in her 2021 season while leveraging her length and timing to alter opponents' shots. Her versatility extends to pick-and-roll defense and rolling actions offensively, where she capitalizes on switches and dives for lobs, contributing to seamless team flow in half-court sets. Jones's on-court impact is quantifiable through advanced metrics, including a plus-minus of +335 in 2021, highlighting her net positive effect on team scoring differentials during high-usage minutes. This aligns with her role in elevating team performance via rebounding second-chance opportunities and defensive possessions that limit opponents' efficiency.

Criticisms and Performance Critiques

Following her trade to the New York Liberty in January 2023, Jonquel Jones experienced an adjustment period marked by reduced production compared to her MVP season with the Connecticut Sun, averaging 11.3 points and 7.5 rebounds per game while shooting 48.5% from the field, down from her 2021 peaks. This dip was attributed by analysts to challenges integrating into a new system and roster dynamics, with Jones herself acknowledging the transition's difficulties in adapting to a faster-paced offense. In the 2025 season, Jones's performance declined further amid recurring right ankle injuries, limiting her to 31 of 44 regular-season games after spraining it twice, which forced her to miss approximately 13 contests and contributed to the Liberty's inconsistent lineup stability. Late in the season, her output dropped to 6.1 points and 7.4 rebounds per game, reflecting diminished efficiency and mobility against opponents. Postseason struggles culminated in the Liberty's first-round elimination by the on September 20, 2025, where Jones managed only modest contributions in the decisive Game 3 loss, prompting critiques of her impact in high-stakes scenarios. During that elimination game on September 19, 2025, Jones received a for protesting a no-call, an outburst that some media observers described as emblematic of frustration amid subpar execution, with reports noting it as "Jonquel Jones at her worst" in a critical matchup. Fan reactions, amplified in online discourse, labeled her play as "lazy" and indicative of low effort, particularly citing instances of being outmaneuvered by quicker defenders and failing to assert dominance in the paint during pivotal moments. These critiques extended to questions about her conditioning and motor, with some attributing vulnerability to agile forwards to inconsistent defensive rotations and hesitation in transition. Despite attempts to expand her perimeter game, Jones's three-point shooting has drawn scrutiny for limited development, with her 2025 attempts yielding inconsistent results and failing to deter defenses from packing the paint, as evidenced by career-low efficiency from beyond the arc amid heightened volume. This has fueled broader assessments of her adaptability against modern schemes emphasizing speed and spacing, where her post-oriented style occasionally appears exploitable by nimbler opponents.

Awards, Honors, and Records

Major Individual Awards

Jonquel Jones earned the WNBA Most Valuable Player Award in 2021, receiving 48 of 49 first-place votes after averaging 19.4 points, 11.2 rebounds, and leading the league in rebounding while guiding the to a 26-6 regular-season record. She also secured the Award in 2024, posting 18.5 points and 9.8 rebounds per game across the series to help the claim the championship. In 2023, Jones was named Commissioner's Cup MVP following a 16-point, 15-rebound in the final against the Las Vegas Aces. Jones has been selected to five WNBA All-Star Games in 2017, 2019, 2021, 2022, and 2024, showcasing consistent elite performance. She received All-WNBA honors five times, including First Team in 2021 and Second Team selections in other years. Defensively, she earned All-Defensive Team recognition four times (2019, 2021, 2022, 2024). Earlier accolades include the 2017 WNBA Most Improved Player Award and the 2018 Sixth Woman of the Year Award. Overseas, Jones was named WKBL Defensive Player of the Year in 2017 with Yongin Samsung Blueminx and later received Asia-Basket.com All-Chinese WCBA Import Player of the Year honors in 2024.

Team Achievements and Milestones

During her time with the from 2016 to 2022, Jonquel Jones helped the team achieve multiple regular seasons with 20 or more wins, including a franchise-high 26-6 record in 2021 that earned the top playoff seed. The Sun made consistent playoff appearances, reaching the semifinals in several years and advancing to the in 2022 as runners-up after defeating the Las Vegas Aces in the semifinals. Her record-setting rebounding, including the team's single-season mark of 403 boards in 2017, and becoming the franchise's all-time blocks leader with 270, strengthened the Sun's defensive capabilities and contributed to these collective successes. Joining the in 2023, Jones aided the franchise in reaching the for the first time in 21 years. In 2024, she was instrumental in securing the Liberty's inaugural championship, defeating the in five games to claim the title. Her contributions on the boards and in team defense were key factors in ending the franchise's long title drought.

Career Statistics

WNBA Regular Season and Playoffs

Jonquel Jones has played in 306 WNBA regular season games across ten seasons from 2016 to 2025, accumulating career averages of 13.4 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 2.0 assists per game. Her stands at 51.2% over her regular season tenure.
SeasonTeamGMPFG%PTSTRBAST
2016CON3414.1.5316.83.70.6
2017CON3428.5.53415.411.91.5
2018CON3420.5.55011.85.51.7
2019CON3428.8.44814.69.71.5
2021CON2731.7.51519.411.22.8
2022CON3326.4.51314.68.61.8
2023NYL4025.0.52711.38.41.8
2024NYL3929.8.53814.29.03.2
2025NYL3126.8.49013.68.12.7
Career30627.4.51213.48.42.0
In the playoffs, Jones has competed in 50 games, posting averages of 15.0 points and 9.6 rebounds per game, with a of 51.5%, demonstrating heightened rebounding contributions compared to the regular season.
PostseasonTeamGMPFG%PTSTRBAST
2017CON139.0.38519.015.02.0
2018CON126.0.66713.07.07.0
2019CON832.5.52817.910.42.0
2021CON435.0.45816.39.83.3
2022CON1227.0.50714.98.42.0
2023NYL1034.7.55917.011.61.7
2024NYL1132.5.55015.58.22.2
2025NYL330.0.2695.711.02.3
Career5031.6.51515.09.62.2
Jones's 2021 regular season represented her peak scoring and rebounding output at 19.4 points and 11.2 rebounds per game. The season saw a dip, with Jones limited to 31 regular season games due to a right ankle and averaging lower scoring efficiency toward the end of the campaign.

College Statistics

During her tenure at from 2013 to 2016, Jonquel Jones recorded career totals of 1,171 points, 961 rebounds, and 177 blocks across 76 games, averaging 15.4 points, 12.6 rebounds, and 2.3 blocks per game. Her rebounding prowess included leading the NCAA in rebounds per game (14.6) during her senior season in 2015–16, as well as setting single-game (26 rebounds vs. on November 27, 2015) and single-season (375 rebounds in 2014–15) records. In the Atlantic 10 Conference, she ranked second all-time in career rebounds per game (12.6) and led the league in total rebounds during her junior year.
SeasonGames PlayedPoints per GameRebounds per GameBlocks per Game
2013–142314.710.91.9
2014–153015.312.51.9
2015–162316.214.63.3
Career (GW)7615.412.62.3
Jones's statistical dominance extended to conference play and postseason, where she ranked fourth in the Atlantic 10 in scoring () as a senior while leading the nation in rebounding. In two NCAA Tournament appearances (2014 and 2016), she contributed key rebounding efforts, including double-digit boards in first-round games, underscoring her impact in high-stakes scenarios. Her junior season rebounding average of 12.5 per game placed her sixth nationally.

Personal Life

Family, Identity, and Relationships

Jonquel Orthea Jones was born on January 5, 1994, in Freeport, , , to parents Ettamae Jones and Preston Jones. She is the youngest of seven siblings, including brothers David Adderley and Tino Jones as well as four sisters, and shares a particularly close relationship with her oldest brother Adderley, who is 19 years her senior. Jones was raised amid a large extended family in Freeport, where she developed early interests in alongside cousins and local peers, before relocating to in the United States at age 14 to attend Riverdale Baptist School and advance her athletic prospects. She retains strong familial connections to , including supporting relatives affected by events such as in 2019. Jones identifies as lesbian and has publicly discussed embracing her sexual orientation after years of internal questioning, influenced by her upbringing in a conservative Bahamian community. She self-describes her presentation as more masculine, a trait she links—along with her and identities—to persistent challenges in securing endorsement deals, despite her on-court success; for instance, she has stated that openly adopting this authentic style cost her a potential sponsorship with the Bahamas Telecommunications Company. In June 2022, Jones publicly shared her relationship with Nesha, a and owner of The Doll House Nail Company; the couple announced their engagement in 2023. No children are associated with Jones in available records.

Off-Court Activities and Public Perception

Jonquel Jones delivered the keynote commencement address at on May 18, 2025, as an alumna (B.A. '19) and reigning MVP, urging graduates to "trust your gut" and follow their instincts amid life's uncertainties. In her speech on the , she emphasized resilience drawn from her own journey from to professional , highlighting the importance of inner conviction over external validation. Jones has engaged in community efforts tied to her Bahamian heritage, including leading recovery initiatives after in 2019 by leveraging her platform to aid rebuilding in . She received a hero's welcome upon returning to in December 2024 following the New York Liberty's WNBA championship, where she visited schools and participated in local events, reinforcing her role as a national ambassador recognized by Bahamian organizations for community contributions. Her involvement extends to church activities and youth programs in , where she serves as a role model for aspiring athletes. Public perception of Jones portrays her as a resilient figure admired for overcoming personal and professional adversities, yet she has maintained a relatively low media profile despite accolades like 2021 WNBA MVP, with describing her in 2022 as a "virtual unknown" in broader spotlight. In 2022, Jones publicly critiqued WNBA endorsement dynamics as a "popularity contest and politics," noting that marketability factors like location and presence often overshadow on-court performance in securing deals. She has secured partnerships with and Nike player exclusives, contributing to an estimated net worth of $5 million alongside her salary and overseas earnings, though observers highlight persistent gaps for athletes not fitting conventional marketing archetypes. Jones was named one of USA TODAY's 2025 Women of the Year, recognizing her impact on and off the court.

References

  1. https://www.wnba.com/player/1627673
  2. https://www.basketball-reference.com/wnba/players/j/jonesjo01w.html
  3. https://www.espn.com/wnba/story/_/id/34109460/jonquel-jones-untold-story-wnba-reigning-mvp
  4. https://atlantic10.com/news/2024/10/21/womens-basketball-jonquel-jones-captures-first-wnba-title-finals-mvp.aspx
  5. https://bleacherreport.com/articles/10140230-jonquel-jones-wins-2024-wnba-finals-mvp-as-liberty-win-1st-ever-championship-vs-lynx
  6. https://www.statmuse.com/wnba/player/jonquel-jones-414
  7. https://www.essentiallysports.com/wnba-basketball-news-who-are-jonquel-jones-parents-everything-to-know-about-the-wnba-star-s-family/
  8. https://www.si.com/wnba/2021/09/28/jonquel-jones-connecticut-sun-mvp-daily-cover
  9. https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/mystics/jonquel-jones-got-tough-through-her-travels-and-shes-taking-it-out-on-the-wnba/2017/06/25/b9de3ae4-581b-11e7-ba90-f5875b7d1876_story.html
  10. https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/1074161/2019/07/12/through-trials-and-travels-jonquel-jones-is-finding-a-home-with-the-sun-and-a-place-among-the-wnbas-best/
  11. https://magazine.gwu.edu/sky-high
  12. https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/highschools/jonquel-jones-from-the-bahamas-to-riverdale-baptist-basketball/2012/02/14/gIQA4yQZGR_story.html
  13. https://gwsports.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/jonquel-jones/3085
  14. https://www.yardbarker.com/wnba/articles/from_riverdale_baptist_to_george_washington_jonquel_jones_is_now_wnba_finals_mvp/s1_16457_41163480
  15. https://www.espn.com/high-school/girls-basketball/recruiting/player/_/id/139455
  16. https://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/players/jonquel-jones-1.html
  17. https://gwsports.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/jonquel-jones/3057
  18. https://magazine.gwu.edu/jonquels-best-shot
  19. https://www.ncaa.com/news/basketball-women/article/2015-11-27/george-washington-womens-basketball-knocks-iowa-double-ot
  20. https://lynx.wnba.com/news/draft-prospect-profiles-jonquel-jones
  21. https://www.ncaa.com/news/basketball-women/article/2015-12-02/starting-five-womens-basketball-players-week
  22. https://gwsports.com/news/2016/4/14/Jonquel_Jones_Taken_6th_Overall_in_WNBA_Draft_First_Round
  23. https://sun.wnba.com/news/jonquel-jones-sun-season-recap
  24. https://www.wnba.com/news/jonquel-jones-connecticut-sun-breakout-season-stats
  25. https://justwomenssports.com/reads/jonquel-jones-rise-from-near-obscurity-to-wnba-stardom/
  26. https://www.swishappeal.com/wnba/2024/10/21/24275601/wnba-playoffs-finals-new-york-liberty-championship-mvp-jonquel-jones-bahamas-connecticut-sun-journey
  27. https://www.wnba.com/news/jonquel-jones-stars-for-sun
  28. https://www.wnba.com/news/connecticut-suns-jonquel-jones-named-2021-kia-most-valuable-player
  29. https://herhoopstats.com/stats/wnba/player/2021/reg/jonquel-jones-stats-11eaecc7-3dd5-8260-b611-2362f5011b0b/
  30. https://www.basketball-reference.com/wnba/years/2021.html
  31. https://sun.wnba.com/news/connecticut-suns-jonquel-jones-named-2021-kia-wnba-most-valuable-player
  32. https://sun.wnba.com/news/connecticut-sun-earn-no-1-overall-spot-in-the-2021-wnba-playoffs
  33. https://www.basketball-reference.com/wnba/playoffs/2021.html
  34. https://www.cbssports.com/wnba/news/2021-wnba-playoffs-scores-schedule-results-format-bracket-watch-online-tv-channel-start-times/
  35. https://gwsports.com/news/2021/9/28/womens-basketball-jonquel-jones-wins-wnba-mvp
  36. https://www.espn.com/wnba/story/_/id/35454811/sources-sun-sending-21-mvp-jonquel-jones-liberty
  37. https://winsidr.com/2023/01/trade-report-jonquel-jones-to-liberty-in-a-three-team-deal-between-ny-connecticut-and-dallas/
  38. https://www.wnba.com/news/the-jonquel-jones-blockbuster-trade-what-do-these-moves-mean
  39. https://www.espn.com/wnba/story/_/id/38509171/wnba-playoffs-2023-jonquel-jones-new-york-liberty-title-run
  40. https://nypost.com/2023/09/30/jonquel-jones-challenging-liberty-transition-has-started-to-pay-off/
  41. https://www.thenexthoops.com/wnba/new-york-liberty/how-an-even-better-jonquel-jones-emerged-from-her-2023-challenges/
  42. https://www.espn.com/wnba/story/_/id/38200114/liberty-win-commissioner-cup-blowout-rival-aces
  43. https://liberty.wnba.com/news/new-york-liberty-win-2023-commissioners-cup-championship
  44. https://www.thenexthoops.com/features/commissioners-cup-jonquel-jones-dominates-marine-johannes-finds-flair-win-over-aces/
  45. https://www.espn.com/wnba/story/_/id/41687420/wnba-finals-2024-new-york-liberty-minnesota-lynx-games-scores-results-news-highlights
  46. https://www.espn.com/wnba/game/_/gameId/401726992/lynx-liberty
  47. https://www.swishappeal.com/wnba/2024/10/22/24276559/wnba-playoffs-finals-new-york-liberty-minn-lynx-jonquel-jones-mvp-difference-maker-offense-defense
  48. https://www.latimes.com/sports/story/2024-10-20/minnesota-lynx-new-york-liberty-wnba-finals-game-5-recap
  49. https://gwsports.com/news/2024/10/21/womens-basketball-jonquel-jones-captures-first-wnba-title-finals-mvp
  50. https://www.ksl.com/article/51158876/jonquel-jones-delivers-wnba-finals-mvp-performance-to-bail-out-ice-cold-ionescu-and-stewart
  51. https://sports.yahoo.com/wnba/article/liberty-center-jonquel-jones-exits-with-ankle-injury-as-new-york-falls-to-mercury-001247303.html
  52. https://www.espn.com/wnba/story/_/id/45558938/new-york-liberty-center-jonquel-jones-right-ankle-sprain
  53. https://www.si.com/onsi/womens-fastbreak/wnba/jonquel-jones-absence-reveals-her-mvp-level-impact-on-new-york-liberty-01jzk2h9kwtp
  54. https://nypost.com/2025/10/20/sports/liberty-star-jonquel-jones-has-offseason-ankle-surgery/
  55. https://www.netsdaily.com/2025/7/15/24468399/ny-liberty-jonquel-jones-wnba-breanna-stewart-natasha-cloud-sabrina-ionescu-all-star-contest-weekend
  56. https://www.rotowire.com/wnba/player/jonquel-jones-276
  57. https://www.foxsports.com/wnba/jonquel-jones-player
  58. https://www.sportskeeda.com/us/wnba/news-lazy-low-iq-player-wnba-fans-turn-jonquel-jones-temper-tantrum-costs-technical-do-or-die-game
  59. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vjs8aJH-vH8
  60. https://www.wnba.com/news/wnba-overseas-jones-dominating-dolson-zellous-filling-stat-sheets/amp
  61. https://www.espn.com/wnba/story/_/id/33778374/connecticut-sun-jonquel-jones-says-continue-play-overseas-wnba-offseason
  62. https://nesn.com/2022/04/jonquel-jones-details-unprecedented-experience-in-russia/
  63. https://m.facebook.com/connecticutsun/posts/congratulations-to-jonquel-jones-and-basketball-club-ummc-ekaterinburg-on-being-/10159689065775449/
  64. https://www.tribune242.com/news/2022/mar/03/jonquel-jones-leaves-russia/
  65. https://justwomenssports.com/reads/jonquel-jones-wnba-international-leagues-money-russia/
  66. https://www.asia-basket.com/China/news/858003/Jonquel-Jones-claims-Chinese--League-11-weekly-honour?POW=CHN11&women=1
  67. https://basketball.asia-basket.com/team/Sichuan-Yuanda-Meile-Basketball-Club/19982/Roster/2024-2025?Women=1
  68. https://www.fiba.basketball/en/history/116-cbc-womens-championship/7762/players/175350-jonquel-jones
  69. https://www.fiba.basketball/en/history/116-cbc-womens-championship/7762/teams/bahamas
  70. https://www.facebook.com/OURNewsREV/videos/jones-commits-to-join-americup-roster/1539362856898365/
  71. https://www.facebook.com/basketball.bbf/posts/%25EF%25B8%258F-road-to-nicaragua-team-bahamas-is-back-in-the-fiba-americup-for-the-first-time/1213762787422778/
  72. https://www.facebook.com/NassauGuardian/posts/the-bahamas-got-exactly-what-it-needed-thursday-night-and-is-very-much-alive-for/1564935917794483/
  73. https://www.instagram.com/p/DPyrorkAHX8/
  74. https://andscape.com/features/new-york-liberty-forward-jonquel-jones-represents-the-bahamas-in-the-wnba-finals/
  75. https://www.basketball-reference.com/wnba/leaders/trb_season.html
  76. https://www.espn.com/wnba/player/stats/_/id/2999101/jonquel-jones
  77. https://winsidr.com/2024/08/jonquel-and-sabrinas-year-two-chemistry-has-the-liberty-rolling/
  78. https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/other/new-york-liberty-eliminated-by-phoenix-mercury-79-73/ar-AA1MWhma
  79. https://www.swishappeal.com/wnba/2025/7/22/24471073/wnba-new-york-liberty-jonquel-jones-jj-dominance-impact-emma-meesseman-championship-stewie-sabrina
  80. https://www.forbes.com/profile/jonquel-jones/
  81. https://www.wnba.com/commissioners-cup/2023
  82. https://liberty.wnba.com/news/breanna-stewart-and-jonquel-jones-named-to-2024-wnba-all-defensive-first-and-second-teams
  83. https://www.wnba.com/news/connecticut-sun-jonquel-jones-named-2018-wnba-sixth-woman-of-the-year
  84. https://basketball.eurobasket.com/Bosnia/news/943138/Jones-is-back-at-Fenerbahce?Women=1
  85. https://pr.nba.com/connecticut-suns-jonquel-jones-named-2021-kia-wnba-most-valuable-player/
  86. https://www.espn.com/wnba/story/_/id/34576653/wnba-finals-2022-how-connecticut-sun-saved-their-season-another-shot-wnba-title
  87. http://winsidr.com/2021/06/jonquel-jones-this-sun-is-also-a-star/
  88. https://www.thenexthoops.com/features/jonquel-jones-dominance-new-york-liberty-to-wnba-finals/
  89. https://www.statmuse.com/wnba/player/jonquel-jones-414/career-stats
  90. https://www.sportskeeda.com/us/wnba/jonquel-jones-college
  91. https://www.sportskeeda.com/us/wnba/jonquel-jones-parents
  92. https://andscape.com/features/wnba-connecticut-suns-jonquel-jones-help-bahamas/
  93. https://www.essentiallysports.com/wnba-basketball-news-who-is-jonquel-jones-fiancee-nesha-everything-you-need-to-know-about-ny-liberty-stars-personal-life/
  94. https://www.tribune242.com/news/2022/jun/23/jonquel-jones/
  95. https://www.sportskeeda.com/us/wnba/jonquel-jones-girlfriend
  96. https://www.autostraddle.com/wnba-superstar-jonquel-jones-is-engaged/
  97. https://gwtoday.gwu.edu/your-gut-doesnt-lie-wnbas-jones-inspires-graduates-trust-their-instincts
  98. https://gwtoday.gwu.edu/reigning-wnba-finals-mvp-and-alumna-jonquel-jones-deliver-commencement-address-gws-class-2025
  99. https://www.c-span.org/program/commencement-speeches/jonquel-jones-commencement-address-at-george-washington-university/660461
  100. https://nypost.com/2024/12/12/sports/liberty-star-jonquel-jones-gets-heros-welcome-in-bahamas/
  101. https://bahamaschronicle.com/baawmar-plans-group-outing-to-see-jonquel-jones-and-new-york-liberty-play-washington-mystics/
  102. https://sports.yahoo.com/wnba-mvp-jonquel-jones-says-womens-hoop-endorsements-about-popularity-contest-and-politics-162555596.html
  103. https://www.profootballnetwork.com/wnba/jonquel-jones-net-worth-and-wnba-salary/
  104. https://www.complex.com/sports/a/frankie-de-la-cretaz/wnba-salaries-endorsements-brand-deals
  105. https://www.facebook.com/usatodaysports/videos/wnba-star-jonquel-jones-is-a-star-on-and-off-the-court-heres-why-shes-one-of-usa/1320083232468493/
Add your contribution
Related Hubs
User Avatar
No comments yet.